Melasma in Midlife: What Every Woman Needs to Know
Unpack the underlying causes, treatment options, and long-term strategies
Melasma in Midlife: What Every Woman Needs to Know
Unpack the underlying causes, treatment options, and long-term strategies
Melasma is one of the most frustrating midlife skin conditions—causing brown blotchy patches often triggered by sun exposure, hormones, or genetics. In this episode of the Menopause Rescue podcast, Dr. Polly Watson sits down with nurse practitioner Kate Willis to unpack the latest research and treatment strategies.
“Melasma requires lifelong prevention, ongoing treatment, and a long-term mindset.“
They explore exciting new data on oral tranexamic acid, which has shown nearly a 50% reduction in melasma severity in clinical trials, and compare it to topical options. The conversation also covers trusted therapies like hydroquinone and Triluma, as well as affordable over-the-counter add-ons. Most importantly, Kate emphasizes that sun protection is essential for preventing recurrence—especially with mineral-based sunscreen.
Watch The Conversation!
Key Takeaways:
- Melasma is triggered by UV exposure, hormones like estrogen, and genetics, making it one of the most challenging skin conditions to treat.
- Sunscreen—especially mineral-based—is non-negotiable for prevention and maintenance
- Melasma is not a one-and-done condition; it requires ongoing care, trigger awareness, and a long-term mindset.
Melasma is one of the most frustrating midlife skin conditions—causing brown blotchy patches often triggered by sun exposure, hormones, or genetics. In this episode of the Menopause Rescue podcast, Dr. Polly Watson sits down with nurse practitioner Kate Willis to unpack the latest research and treatment strategies.
“Melasma requires lifelong prevention, ongoing treatment, and a long-term mindset.“
They explore exciting new data on oral tranexamic acid, which has shown nearly a 50% reduction in melasma severity in clinical trials, and compare it to topical options. The conversation also covers trusted therapies like hydroquinone and Triluma, as well as affordable over-the-counter add-ons. Most importantly, Kate emphasizes that sun protection is essential for preventing recurrence—especially with mineral-based sunscreen.
Tune in to learn practical tools, treatment options, and long-term strategies for managing melasma in midlife. Don’t miss this empowering discussion packed with expert advice and real-world solutions.
Quotes:
- “Melasma is a tough and chronic pigment condition that’s triggered by UV, heat, hormones, and genetics.” – Kate Willis NP-C
- “We’re not just treating the surface of the skin. Melasma has deeper layers and even a vascular component.” – Kate Willis NP-C
- “The reason it’s so tricky is it’s not just superficial; it’s epidermal and dermal. There are also vascular components.” – Kate Willis NP-C
Resources:
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast#Disclaimer
Meet the host!
Dr. Polly Watson is a board certified OBGYN who has additional training in menopausal medicine, sexual medicine and functional medicine.
She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with you to help find a solution to address the imbalance in your system and restore your health.
In 2019 I left my job as an employed physician with a large organization and started Hormone Wellness MD. I started with no staff working out of a single room. Since then, my staff has grown to a team of 5 and we’ve helped over 1,100 people on their health journey.
Meet the Guest Speaker!
Kate Willis, NP-C, IFMCP is a virtual nurse practitioner for Hormone Wellness MD. She’s been working in women’s health for 15 years in the field of gynecologic oncology and sexual wellness.
In 2021, Kate received her certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), and is thankful for such solid and evidence-based training. She uses it daily in her care for patients as she works to address the root cause of disease and dysfunction in the body. As of 2024, she is also a Menopause Society Certified nurse practitioner who is ready to help with your perimenopause and menopause questions. Click here to become a patient!
I love working with women because I think women change the world.
Meet the host!
Dr. Polly Watson is a board certified OBGYN who has additional training in menopausal medicine, sexual medicine and functional medicine.
She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with you to help find a solution to address the imbalance in your system and restore your health.
In 2019 I left my job as an employed physician with a large organization and started Hormone Wellness MD. I started with no staff working out of a single room. Since then, my staff has grown to a team of 5 and we’ve helped over 1,100 people on their health journey.
Meet the Guest!
Kate Willis, NP-C, IFMCP is a virtual nurse practitioner for Hormone Wellness MD. She’s been working in women’s health for 15 years in the field of gynecologic oncology and sexual wellness.
In 2021, Kate received her certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), and is thankful for such solid and evidence-based training. She uses it daily in her care for patients as she works to address the root cause of disease and dysfunction in the body. As of 2024, she is also a Menopause Society Certified nurse practitioner who is ready to help with your perimenopause and menopause questions. Click here to become a patient!
I love working with women because I think women change the world.
